The PhD in Business at University of the Cumberlands is designed to be a research doctorate for those wishing to teach and research in higher education. The Ph.D. in Business enables students to develop advanced levels of competency in conducting applied research and in the comprehension of theoretical and applied literature in the discipline.
Program Goals:
The program consists of four components: 1) Core courses; 2) Specialization courses; 3) Research courses; and 4) the Dissertation. Through this course structure, the PhD in Business seeks to prepare candidates:
- To synthesize and integrate current research and literature to problems found in the areas of accounting, finance, economics, management, and marketing.
- To construct research-based, strategic, effective, and ethical solutions to optimize organizational performance (both domestic and international).
- To develop advanced communication, collaboration, research, and critical thinking skills.
- To execute rigorous research and present scholarly work that contributes to the professional body of knowledge of business and provides linkages to practical business applications.
Students can earn the PhD in Business in either a fully online format or an executive format combining online and on-site study. The Executive format program requires attendance at weekend residency classes. Further, the Executive PhD in Business Program meets the needs of international graduate business students. This program provides both in-seat and online coursework. Graduate students joining the Executive PhD in Business program will be employed or conduct projects in business-related positions and participate in Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their program to the real world via work or internship experiences.
Professional Sensitivity:
While the program’s schedule requires considerable independent learning and preparation on the part of the candidate prior to each session, the schedule nevertheless enables in-depth, active learning based on critical and reflective thinking. The format allows assignments to be handled comfortably, while candidates maintain their continuing professional responsibilities. The program is designed with an applied learning component that is an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. This allows students the opportunity to apply their studies to their place of employment.
Professional Application:
For executive format students, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is established as an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.
